JAMES HARRIS, DVM
Decapitated beak can be overcome
 While we were away on vacation, our 2-year-old mitred conure, who was staying at a friend's house, got into her eclectus' cage and was debeaked. The whole top beak had to be removed. He was in the hospital for two weeks. He is expected to recover, but we understand he will never grow his beak back and is permanently disfigured. We are trying to help him during his transition and thought you may have more insight into his situation. We are especially facing a challenge with his cage. He can't climb as he used to, and doesn't seem to realize his top beak is gone. He is eating okay for now. He is on a pelleted diet and scoops his food in his bottom beak. His weight is stable and he is still on an antibiotic and anti-fungal. He is trying very hard to adjust but it would be helpful to hear from others who may have faced the same challenges we are. Thank you for any help you can give.
-- Robyn Monroe
 THE BEAK is a very complicated structure. Beneath the surface, which grows like a human nail, is a vascular layer. Beneath this is a layer called the periostium, which covers the bones of the skull that extend out and support the beak. If the entire structure, including the underlying bone, is gone, it's unlikely the bird will ever regenerate an upper beak. If only a portion of the beak has been lost and there is some underlying bone remaining, it may be possible to attach a prosthetic device. However, these rarely last.
Fortunately, parrots are very adaptable and seem to manage very well with severe disabilities. Many pet birds who have lost the upper beak, called the maxilla, have done nicely with proper care and feeding. They can't crack seeds and nuts, but like your bird, they learn to scoop food such as pellets and small pieces of cut-up fruit and vegetables. In the cage, you can give your bird additional perches and branches to climb so he does not need to rely on his beak as an extra "hand." As long as he can swallow what he scoops up, maintains his weight and condition and seems happy, you should be able to enjoy your bird for many years.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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